Wild camping is a name for camping somewhere in the backcountry, mountains or hills away from a maintained or designated site.

In the USA it is accepted provided you are in a 'wilderness' location. Generally you are permitted to camp on either National Forest or BLM land. This site mentions different options for camping in the USA.

In England it still remains illegal to wild camp although some people practice it. Generally wild camping is accepted in the more remote areas of the country such as high up in the Lake District or Dartmoor. In the Peak district it is discouraged and at certain times of the year banned due to fire hazard. You should always do your homework and research the area restrictions or recommendations.

Always camp discreetly with respect to the environment, animals, landowners or other campers.

When you are wild camping you should observe certain rules and strictly observe ‘leave no trace’ ethics. In fact very often, wild campers and hikers in general will remove other peoples rubbish on their way out of an area. Known as negative trace.

Bears do not use 'leave no trace' techniques

Important points

Learn local rules and regulations

Try to camp away from water sources ensuring toilet waste is buried in a ‘cat hole’ at least 200 yards away from any water source and trail. I would suggest further than this if possible. Note - certain areas do not advise digging a cat hole (ie Cairngorms in Scotland)

Pack it in - pack it out

If you are thru hiking you may not want to carry toilet waste out. If you are day hiking maybe you should consider this. Sometimes I wonder whether dog walkers should consider this?

Good campsites are found - not made

Leave no trace does not just apply to wild camping. It concerns the way you enter and cause impact on the environment. Such as not cutting switchbacks, boot choice etc.

Ensure fires are completely out / cold when leaving. Ask yourself - Do you need to have a fire at all? I use a wood burning 'bushbuddy' stove for convenience and minimum impact.

Use dead wood for fires.

When you leave your site, take a look back. It should look it did when you arrived.

A typical wild camp in Southern Montana. I had deer within 30 feet of the tent this evening. I usually try to place the tent next to some tree cover.

Sometimes you are rewarded with a view like this

Did you know?

By avoiding camping at the bottom of a valley and trying to stay somewhere up on the slopes you will avoid the coldest air. Try to choose a level patch somewhere on the slopes facing the east so early morning sun will warm your tent and make packing up a pleasure. You may get some good sunrise pictures too.

A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. John Muir